Skip to content
Home » Career in Sports Management: Know Everything on How to Get Into this Profession! 

Career in Sports Management: Know Everything on How to Get Into this Profession! 

Career in Sports Management

Are you captivated by the world of sports, but the thought of being an athlete isn’t quite your game plan? Check out a career in Sports Management, where passion for sports meets the strategic mindset of business. Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps sports teams running seamlessly? Meet the Sports Manager, the unsung hero ensuring everything off the field is a winning play.

As a sports manager, you’re not donning a jersey, but you’re the MVP behind the scenes. Imagine orchestrating team travel, managing equipment, crafting marketing strategies, and even curating the perfect game day experience. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the entire sports ecosystem. Ground maintenance, event planning, and player performance analysis – the Sports Manager wears many hats.

Dreaming of a career that intertwines your love for sports with a flair for business? The timing couldn’t be more perfect, especially with the Indian sports industry making waves on the global stage. You don’t need to be a star athlete; you just need the passion to drive success from the sidelines.

But here’s the kicker – not many are exploring the exciting avenues of sports management. Why? Lack of information might be the culprit. Fear not, as this blog is your playbook, guiding you through the ins and outs of sports management and unlocking the doors to an exhilarating career. Ready to turn your sports passion into a profession? Let’s dive into the game-changing world of a career in Sports Management!

What is sports management?

Sports management refers to the business and administrative aspects associated with the organization, planning, promotion, and operation of sports-related activities. It involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of sports teams, organizations, facilities, and events. Sports management professionals are responsible for handling various tasks, including financial management, marketing, public relations, facility management, and player/personnel management.

Suggested Reading: Career in Sports Science

Key roles and responsibilities 

Sports management professionals are involved in various roles, including:

  1. Team Management: Managing sports teams, including hiring coaches and support staff, negotiating contracts, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
  2. Event Management: Planning, organizing, and executing sports events, from local tournaments to international competitions. This involves coordinating logistics, securing venues, managing budgets, and ensuring the overall success of the event.
  3. Facility Management: Overseeing the operation and maintenance of sports facilities, such as stadiums and arenas. This includes scheduling events, handling security, and maintaining the infrastructure.
  4. Player Management: Representing and managing the careers of athletes, negotiating contracts, and handling endorsements and sponsorships.
  5. Marketing and Promotion: Creating and implementing marketing strategies to promote sports teams, events, and athletes. This involves advertising, public relations, and sponsorship deals.
  6. Sports Law and Ethics: Understanding and applying legal principles specific to the sports industry, including contract negotiations, intellectual property issues, and compliance with regulations.
  7. Sports Analytics: Using data and analytics to make informed decisions in areas such as player performance analysis, team strategy, and fan engagement.
  8. Financial Management: Handling the financial aspects of sports organizations, including budgeting, revenue generation, and financial planning.
  9. Sports Medicine and Health Management: Overseeing the health and well-being of athletes, including injury prevention, rehabilitation, and compliance with health and safety standards.

Sports management professionals may work for professional sports teams, college athletic departments, sports agencies, event management companies, sports marketing firms, and other related organizations. The field requires a combination of business acumen, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of the sports industry. Many universities offer specialized degree programs in sports management to prepare individuals for careers in this field.

Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard

How to pursue a career in sports management?

In the pursuit of a rewarding career in sports management, the journey kicks off with a myriad of options regardless of your school background. Whether steering towards Business Management (B.B.A. or B.B.M.), delving into Engineering (B.E. or B.Tech.), or exploring Science, Commerce, or Arts, the avenues are diverse. Different academic streams lay the groundwork for a future in sports management.

Undergraduate Degrees

For a more targeted approach, consider specialized undergraduate degrees like BBA in Sports Management or BA in Sports Management. These programs furnish you with the foundational knowledge indispensable for a career in sports administration.

Postgraduate degrees

Post undergraduate studies, the next phase involves delving into postgraduate studies. An MBA in various specializations like Sabermetrics, Sports and Leisure Management, or Sports Administration and Management provides a profound understanding of the industry. Alternatively, opt for more concise programs such as Post Graduate Diplomas to expedite your entry into the field.

Skills required to build a career in sports management 

Thriving in sports management demands a versatile skill set. Develop proficiency in branding, strategic marketing, and planning. Sharpen your communication and presentation skills, pivotal for conveying ideas effectively. A profound grasp of sports coupled with acute industry awareness will distinguish you.

Charting a career in sports management requires a fusion of academic acumen and refined skills. The expedition involves choosing the right educational trajectory, specializing in sports management, and nurturing key skills vital for the ever-evolving industry. By strategically combining education and skill development, you lay the groundwork for a prosperous and gratifying career in sports management.

Sports Management courses and fees

After graduation with any subject, you can pursue higher studies such as MBA in Sports Management or other Masters level degree courses in Sports Management. Colleges and institutes are offering MBA programs for sports management, for which prerequisites are to clear the common entrance exams or the admission tests in these respective colleges.

You may also do a diploma or a certificate course in this field mentioned below.

Also, read Changing Trends and Career in Physical Education

Top Diploma & Certificate courses in Sports Management in India

  • Advanced Diploma in Cricket Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Football Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Sports Business
  • Certified Sports Manager
  • Executive Diploma in Sports Management
  • PG Diploma in Sports Management

Top Degree Programs in Sports Management

  • B.Sc. in Sports Management
  • MBA in Sports Management
  • Master of Science in Sports Management
  • MS in Sports Analytics and Management
  • Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management

Fee’s structure

The fee structure for sports management courses in India varies across different institutions, encompassing both private and government sectors. For undergraduate programs, private institutions charge a minimum of Rs 4 lakhs with fees escalating up to Rs. 24 Lakhs, whereas government institutions have a maximum fee cap of Rs. 96,000. 

Postgraduate courses exhibit a diverse range, with private institutions demanding a minimum of Rs. 20,000 and a maximum of Rs. 14 Lakhs. Government-run postgraduate courses, on the other hand, maintain a fee range of Rs. 7 lakhs. Doctoral programs are available primarily in government institutions, with fees fixed at 3.74 Lakhs. Diplomas in sports management are affordable, ranging from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 33,000, depending on the type of institution.

Get the best Career counselling in Bangalore

List of top sports management colleges in India

Here’s the list of top sports management colleges in India:

  • Central University of Haryana
  • CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bangalore
  • DY Patil University School of Management
  • Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, University of Mumbai
  • Guru Nanak Dev University
  • Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
  • IIM Bangalore 
  • IIM Rohtak
  • Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management
  • ISBR Business School
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • Kishinchand Chellaram College
  • LPU 
  • MGM Institute of Management and Research
  • PES University
  • Ramaiah Institute of Management
  • TNPESU
  • VELS School of Management Studies and Commerce

Job opportunities in sports management career

A career in sports management opens diverse job avenues. Professional sports clubs, including football, hockey, rugby, and athletics, present promising opportunities. Additionally, international sports teams such as the Indian Cricket Team and IPL cricket teams offer coveted positions. Sports institutes like SAAI and renowned facilities like Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium provide avenues for managerial roles. With the dynamic landscape of sports, pursuing a career in sports management promises a spectrum of engaging roles across various domains.

Top 15 Recruiters in Sports Management

If you are going to pursue an MBA in Sports Management, it is important to know who the top recruiters in this field are. Sports management jobs offered by top organizations/ sports consultancy firms/ sports channels/ sports news channels/ sports merchandise and other organizations are:

  1. Star Sports
  2. Zee – Ten Sports
  3. ESPN
  4. JSW Sports
  5. Decathlon India
  6. OGQ
  7. SportsWise India
  8. Go Sports Foundation
  9. CEAT
  10. IMG
  11. DNA Networks
  12. Sports Interactive
  13. Pitch Vision
  14. XLR8
  15. Edusports

Check out regarding the Career as a Sports Coach.

Salary expectations in sports management career

In the dynamic field of sports management, salaries vary based on experience and roles. Entry-level positions such as assistant manager may offer a monthly salary ranging from Rs. 20,000 to 3,00,000, with higher remuneration for those handling international teams. Facility managers can expect to earn between Rs. 15,000 to 50,000 per month. Sports analysts, with salaries ranging from Rs. 25,000 to 5,00,000, may see increased compensation for retired athletes in this role.

With 2-6 years of experience, junior professionals can command salaries between Rs. 30,000 to 7,00,000, while those managing international teams may enjoy higher pay. Middle-level executives, boasting 6-12 years of experience, can anticipate monthly earnings from Rs. 50,000 to 10,00,000. At the senior level, individuals with over 12 years of experience can earn Rs. 1,00,000 to 20,00,000 per month, reflecting the rewarding nature of long-term dedication in the sports management career.

Final Words!

A career in Sports Management intertwines a love for sports with strategic business prowess. As the hidden force behind the scenes, a Sports Manager orchestrates seamless team operations, event planning, and marketing strategies. This diverse role includes team, event, and facility management, alongside player representation and financial oversight. 

Various academic paths, such as specialized degrees and postgraduate studies, allow individuals to tailor their journey. Sports Management courses serve as a gateway to this dynamic field, offering diverse career opportunities within top organizations. Salaries, contingent on experience, showcase the gratifying nature of long-term dedication in the thriving sports management career.

We hope you have all the information needed to make the right career decision! However, choosing the right career could be a daunting task for anyone! And that’s why we are here to help you. Understand what it takes and whether you have it in you. You can avail of iDreamCareer’s special services for that. 

We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future! 

  1. How to Become an Athlete/Sportsperson
  2. Sports Psychology
  3. Career in Adventure Sports
  4. Importance of Co-Curricular Activities for Students
  5. How to Become A Cricket Umpire

FAQs

What is sports management?

Sports management involves the business and administrative aspects of organizing, planning, and operating sports-related activities. It includes tasks such as team management, event planning, facility oversight, player representation, marketing, and financial management.

How to pursue a career in sports management?

To pursue a career in sports management, individuals can choose diverse academic backgrounds such as Business Management, Engineering, Science, Commerce, or Arts. Specialized undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including MBAs in Sports Management, provide the necessary knowledge and skills.

What are the key roles in sports management?

Sports management professionals handle diverse roles, including team management, event planning, facility management, player representation, marketing, sports law, analytics, and financial management.

What skills are required for a career in sports management?

Success in sports management demands skills in branding, strategic marketing, communication, industry awareness, and a profound understanding of sports.

What are the top sports management courses in India?

Top courses include a BBA in Sports Management, an MBA in Sports Management, a Master of Science in Sports Management, and various diploma programs. Fees vary across institutions.

Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard

Please share the below details.
We will arrange a call back for you.

iDreamCareer

Chat with an Expert

Please fill out the below details to proceed.

iDreamCareer

Download our app on

Stand-out from the crowd! Stay Updated.

Introducing

Personalised Career Dashboard

Explore more information about

Stand-out from the crowd! Stay updated.

Thanks for sharing your details.
Our team will contact you
for further steps 🙂